Faith

Meet the ‘Pulpit Genius’ Who Has Had a Revolutionary Impact on Christian Preaching

Fred Haddock Discusses His Storytelling Preaching & His Fathers Role

Dr. Fred Craddock

Dr. Fred Craddock’s story is an intriguing one. The preacher’s childhood, which was characterized by poverty, an alcoholic father and other personal hurdles hurdles, actually helped to mold him into one of the most influential preachers of our time.

Unlike other well-known preachers, Craddock, who has been described as a “pulpit genius,” was never intent on building a mega-brand. In fact, the preacher doesn’t have an e-mail address, doesn’t use a computer and would never dream of taking to Facebook or Twitter to spread his messages.

Craddock’s sole focus has been on teaching through storytelling. He has traveled the world, instructed at Emory University and inspired a generation of preachers. While he may not be a household name, Newsweek Magazine ranked him among the most influential pastors in America. Known for his unique story-telling, the preacher has provided a very different, less stale methodology for Christian pastors to partake in across the globe.

Watch Craddock talk about what goes into a good sermon, below:

His father, Fred Craddock Sr., was a complicated figure who likely played a substantial role in his son’s decision to go into the ministry. The elder Craddock loved to tell stories, which had a major impact on his son. CNN reports:

His son and namesake, Fred Jr., was one of his most devoted fans. Father and son developed a storytelling ritual. At the end of the day, the elder Craddock would return to his home in the small town of Humboldt, Tennessee, roll a Bull Durham cigarette by the fireplace and say to no one in particular, “Boy, I never hope to see what I saw today.”

The younger Craddock would sit with the other children in his family and listen anxiously to the stories. It had become a family tradition.

Below, watch the younger Craddock offer a short Bible study blessing back in 2008:

But as time went on, his father’s alcoholism took a toll. The family was poor, living with very little. In the end, though his mother’s faith stayed strong, Craddock’s father refused to go to church. It was this dynamic, which never corrected itself, that had a deep impact on the preacher’s pathway in life.

This path, which he believes was set early on, has an intriguing story behind it. Craddock’s inevitable entrance into full-time ministry, some believe, resulted from a miracle that had occurred years before. When Craddock was 8-months-old, he was gravely ill.

On a winter night in 1928, his mother, Ethel, was so distraught over her son’s diphtheria, an infectious disease that leads to blockages in the lungs, that she fled to the family’s barn to pray.

The baby could barely breathe and doctors couldn’t do much to help him. So, she prayed, ”Dear God, if you will let him live, I will pray every day that he will serve you as a minister.”

She fell asleep in the barn and awoke on the hay the next morning. She ran to the house to find, to her surprise, that her son would be okay. The infection had left him and so she held on to her pledge to God, not telling her son about it until he turned 17. The secret was withheld, because she didn’t want her son to enter the ministry with the wrong motivations.

Below, hear Craddock discuss the fact that his mother withheld her desire for him to enter the ministry until his teen years:

After entering college, he decided to see a counselor to ensure that his calling to the ministry was genuine. Unfortunately, he was given some troubling advice. Upon hearing about his childhood and his father’s troubles, the counselor said, “I think I‘m clear why you’re in the ministry: to redeem your father.” His hope — that he was entering the ministry for the right reasons — was dashed.

These words hit Craddock hard — so hard that he left the ministry and began taking on odd jobs. “It crushed me. I didn’t have a Plan B in my life. I was kicking the can down the road every night, trying to figure it out,” he explains.

But one day he found himself reading the book of Philippians in the Bible. As he read about Paul’s plight, he realized that the motivation to reach souls for Christ didn’t really matter. In the end, he recognized that what mattered most was that Jesus’ name was being proclaimed. So, whether his motivation was to redeem his father or to save others’ souls, it didn’t necessarily matter.

He decided to jump back into ministry, so he returned to school and he began preaching at rural churches. What came to follow was a Craddock-inspired revolution regarding the way in which pastors preach the gospel to their followers.

After getting back into the ministry, Craddock noticed that people were much more responsive to his informal talks than they were to his very structured sermons. So, he started to experiment. Rather than placing his sermon into a solid structure, he bagan to model his talk like extended conversation. In this latter form, the listener would be challenged to give meaning to the sermon. CNN has more:

Craddock never took to preachers who tried to bulldoze people into converting. He had seen plenty of preachers try to goad his father back to church. And his mother, by withholding the story of his near-death experience, had taught him that people’s faith decisions must be genuine, not coerced.

So Craddock became a preacher who didn’t preach. He once said that a “yes” is no good unless a “no” is possible.

Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, one of Craddock’s students, describes his peaching style as follows:

“He assumes from the start that we are capable of attending to the text, handling some scholarship, dealing with open-ended stories, and drawing our own conclusions. He does not tell us what he is going to tell us, and then tell us what he told us. He sits down before we are ready. He lets us chew our own food.”

Today, Craddock is 83-years-old. He gave his last official sermon in October, as he is suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. His impact on preaching, though, has revolutionized the way in which pastors communicate. His background, which certainly had its challenges, helped to make this impact and its associated results possible.

(H/T: CNN)

Comments (85)

1 2
  • Bronco II
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:17am

    Jesus was GOD walking in the flesh read and learn TRUTH.In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was GOD and the WORD became flesh and walked among us.The angel a messenger for GOD told Mary to name her baby JESUS. EMANUEL which means GOD WITH US so Jesus was GOD in the flesh to show us how to live in this world in these flesh bodies only Jesus was perfect without sin and gave his life for our sins and did it without a whimper or a word.The Perfect Lamb delivered for slaughter for one and all and that too did away with the blood sacraficing of animals and that is all that was nailed to the cross it was an ORDIANACE not a Law not a Statute must know the difference he did not come to destroy the LAW but to fulfill it.In GODS WORD he says I don’t want your burnt offerings It is like smoke in my nose I WANT YOUR LOVE and that is all he askes of us not forced either FREE WILL forced love is fake and he knows our hearts and knows if the love you have for him is REAL.

    Report Post » Bronco II  
  • Tutis
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 12:10am

    I have heard Craddock speak and he is amazing. I don’t have to hear that Christ died on the cross every Sunday. I need to be challenged with how that gift of His life given for me impacts mine and what I am to do with it. Craddock’s sermons take one beyond the birth, death and resurrection and challenges one to think. Read The Cherry Log Sermons and find your heartstrings tugged upon to better live out the Gospel. Grace and peace…

    Report Post »  
    • sick
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 1:54am

      I hope it helps get me to lunch after church faster…..sometimes god tends to go over the agreed upon 12pm time limit.

      Report Post »  
    • palerider54
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:02am

      @SICK, you picked a very good self-descriptive screen name.

      There have been times at my church that we don’t dismiss until one or two o’clock.

      The Pastor will usually say, its okay to let the Methodists and Catholics beat you to the restaurant every now and then.

      Report Post »  
  • Ozark54
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:05pm

    Reading the comments above remind me once again that Christians are the most thoroughly disagreeable and obnoxious people on earth. Each of you is absolutely sure that you and only you are the final authority of the only possible correct interpretation of the bible. It is no wonder we do not go to church and be around such people. Since most of you except no salvation of your own, your heaven is going to be a mighty lonely place. Sad.

    Report Post »  
    • MJPinCO
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:09pm

      Salvation is offered to everyone, including you. Christianity is the following of Christ and his teachings. It is written in the Bible that you must believe in Christ in order to enter Heaven. That is what is taught and that is what true Bible believing Christians believe. Because of free will we are all allowed to accept or reject Christ. If you are anyone else rejects him then so be it. We would rather have you on board but that is your choice and it will not be forced on you. I suspect your anger is because deep inside you know it’s true. That is what is really sad.

      Report Post »  
    • Stephen Markovich
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:24pm

      Why are you so sad and angry?

      Report Post »  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 8:17am

      Ozark, There is only one way to the Father… find it.

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
  • mrsalvage2
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:59pm

    So this si the current winner fo the enless Ear Tickling Contest?

    Sounds nothing like the illiterate Swear’n Jack Waller, who NC was known wide and far for the foulest mouth in the Colony, who heard the preaching of Baptist Preachers. Later he would throw himself on the ground in the woods seeking repentence, finding no way other than the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST to save his never dying soul from HELL and the Lake of Fire, and from his worthless tongue.

    He became a simple preacher, whose reading of the simple GOSPEL brought revival and repentence to nearly every settlement he went to.

    Those who preach themselves and preach others are losers. The ones who bow to the GOSPEL alone will see power beyond themselves. Power that gives people an eternal Faith long after the Preacher is gone and burried.

    Paul said ‘I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST, for it is the power of GOD unto salvation of even the most sinful of men.’ like him, who killed many Christians.

    GOD is Love, Grace, patience, and Mercy

    Report Post » mrsalvage2  
    • Supertad108
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:05am

      Maybe I missed it. Was the Holy Spirit mentioned as THE source to any story or sermon? Without Him, ALL is empty and powerless no matter how itching to the ears. Good observation mrsalvage2.

      Report Post »  
  • amerbur
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 1:56pm

    I am sure it was not Jesus who approved the sign labeling him King of the Jews in several languages. It was placed by an evi,l corrupt government and the enemies of God. Stupid story.

    Report Post »  
    • jmtk
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:52pm

      Don’t you realize that God is over ALL? Evil has NO POWER but that which is God-Filtered, and it is ALL for His Purposes….Redemption of humanity. NO ACTIONS were done to Jesus, NO WORDS were spoken or printed about Jesus, but by HIS PERMISSION AND DESIRE FOR HIS PURPOSES. It was ALL supposed to be just the way it was, in God’s Perspective and Purpose, PERFECT. Process that.

      Report Post »  
    • eric6161
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 4:17pm

      Uh, I think you need to re-read the story and listen again to the video… you missed the entire point. The stories are always boring if you miss the main idea. If you took God and His Son Jesus out of the Bible… the Bible would be pretty stupid too. Hint: the story is about governments and NOT about Christ.
      Just because you don‘t understand something doesn’t mean it’s stupid.

      Report Post »  
  • Dan_o
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:15pm

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3 ESV)

    “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)

    I’ll pass on anything less than the full council of God.

    Report Post » Dan_o  
    • Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:36pm

      In response to an earlier comment by the Pope…
      Scientist at the Creation Museum debunk man-made global warming. It is a myth. The earth is actually cooling. It is a natural process.
      http://creation.com/global-warming-facts-and-myths

      Report Post » Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist  
    • pamtudteach
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 1:07pm

      If stories (parables) were good enough for Jesus to use to teach his followers, then stories are an acceptable teaching tool for today’s preachers. At some point, like was said in the article, we should be able to read the Word and understand it for ourselves.

      Report Post »  
    • Dan_o
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 1:18pm

      “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
      (Hebrews 5:12-14 ESV)

      Report Post » Dan_o  
    • mocon
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:27pm

      @Dan_O: Yes, verse by verse. We need to study God’s Word so that when a counterfeit shows up, claiming to be God, we will know them to be liars and false prophets, such as Mohammed, or Joseph Smith.

      Report Post » mocon  
    • Toolbag187
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:10pm

      This should really be a reply to a few of these posts but the general belief that in the first chapter of John about the word of God HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BIBLE as a text. John is speaking of Jesus.. and the Word BECAME FLESH and dwelt among us.. It’s Jesus.. Jesus is the word of God.. American Christians in large part to not look at historical context when John was written all that was known was the Jewish writings what we call the Old testament.. Please get away from that term that the bible is the written words of God.. It was inspired by God written by people Jesus is the word..

      Report Post »  
    • Dan_o
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:50pm

      @TOOLBAG187, I guess I don’t understand your point. Yes, John is saying Jesus is the Word and yes John’s point of reference is the OT. Did someone say otherwise? “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

      It seems you are splitting hairs. The bible was “inspired” by God, but is not the word of God? There is a very distinct reason Jesus, as part of the triune God, is referred to as the Word and why scripture is closely tied to, if not inseparable from, that image. The God of the Jews in the OT was the God who was heard. He was heard physically by several people, He was heard through scripture, the giving of the law, and the prophets. This is a stark and intentional contrast to the pagan gods of the day who were seen in the form of idols but never heard and were, of course, impotent.

      So, when I quote John 1:1-X, I am pointing to Jesus just as the scripture does, Old and New Testament. Scripture has been preserved by God, every jot and tittle, so we may know His character, His covenants, be taught, exhorted, etc. To be clear, I do not worship the bible as an object, but I treasure and cherish it. It is the vehicle by which He speaks to us and we know and worship our Lord through it. Verse by verse type of study is how a pastor should feed his flock, not by telling stories alluding to scripture as if it’s too hard to understand.

      So, where do we not see e

      Report Post » Dan_o  
    • Dan_o
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:56pm

      @TOOLBAG187, CONT’D. I guess I ran over the limit.

      So, where do we not see eye to eye?

      One clarification, John’s reference is the OT and living as an apostle with Christ.

      Report Post » Dan_o  
  • usmc1063
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:07pm

    The word of God is a constant truth. This truth shapes the minds of those who follow his word. His preaching style is simular to that of my Priest. It puts Gods word into a commonality, something that the members of our parish can relate to. This in turn draws our attention inward to the true message of God. Myself I find a good comparison will better guide me to the Divine word than slapping the Bible and quoting scripture and verse. I know their are some that may disagree with this but that is of their choice. However the word is spoken, it is and open mind that will recieve it and that is what counts the most.

    Report Post » usmc1063  
    • mocon
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:41pm

      Mat 23:9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

      Report Post » mocon  
    • Sugabee
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 3:55pm

      Mocon: a careful examination of the context of Matthew 23 shows that Jesus didn’t intend for his words here to be understood literally. The whole passage reads, “But you are not to be called ‘rabbi,’ for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called ‘masters,’ for you have one master, the Christ” (Matt. 23:8–10). So if his words in Matthew 23 were meant to be taken literally, Protestants would be just as guilty for using the word “teacher” and “doctor” and “mister” as Catholics for saying “father.” But clearly, that would be a misunderstanding of Christ’s words. Please, do not make this about bashing the Catholic faith. There is enough of that on this website as it is. We are all Christians who love Jesus, and we need to unite to have any effect on this corrupt world – not divide each other.

      Report Post »  
  • BassChick
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:00pm

    @BIKERR
    I’m new to this site…thank you for the warm welcome.

    Report Post » BassChick  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:34pm

      I, too have been branded “grammar police” (I wonder how “grammar” can include spelling? Oh, well). The Blaze really should have an option to make comments directly to the author of the piece.

      Report Post »  
    • mocon
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:44pm

      @Chuck_Stein:

      I agree. I find it almost impossible to have a useful conversation here.

      Report Post » mocon  
  • capecodsully
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:52am

    “When I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are controlled by your sinful nature.” 1 Cor. 3: 1-3

    Report Post »  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:50am

    Every sermon a story? Really? My paster speaks on issues from the bible to those who are lost. The ones who are already saved say Amen! He speaks of his weaknesses from his past and how God have changed him. Worship is not entertainment and I‘m sure he’s entertaining but worship is the glorifying of our Lord through song and prayer. The sermon is directed toward the lost because they may never be in the Lords house again and the word needs to be preached to them. Christ crucified and salvation. Sunday school and bible study are for the saved.

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
    • G.W. Dobbs
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:01pm

      The Apostle Paul directed his teaching/preaching/writing to the already “Born from above”, the BELIEVERS only. This “ask Jesus to come into your heart” we all hear on TV daily is not Salvation. Salvation is as written in II Cor. 15: 1-5 and Romans 10: 9,10 where we are told IF we BELIEVE in our heart Jesus was crucified, dead and buried and AROSE FROM THE DEAD on the third day and confess this with our mouth, we become a Child of God having His Spirit. The best “preaching” is drawing the Big Picture of the Bible so that God’s examples on living and His Plan for our lives leads us to UNDERSTANDING. In this manner, our SOUL MINDS grow with knowledge (WISDOM, the Mind of Christ) of how we can PLEASE GOD and show Him we love Him by being OBEDIENT and HUMBLE; DAILY renewing our minds through reading the Word, Meditating on it and Prayer in the Spirit. If only everyone could follow the directions, life could be so much more than we have in the Carnal World of the flesh. The Born Again are IN the World but we are not OF the World. We are living ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus NOW and forever. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for including “whosoever will”. Our Strength is in Your Joy. We are anxious about NOTHING (Phil. 4:6,7).

      Report Post »  
  • garyM
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:42am

    Skypilot8
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:31am

    Absolutely Jesus taught in parables. But listen to this man’s explanation of what he does and you will see there is no comparison. Jesus used parables to teach divine truth. He did not simply speak the truth, He is the truth and everything said must be measured by Him as He has revealed Himself in the word of God. Nowhere in these clips do I hear this man talk about the need to handle accurately God’s word; to preach the word of God faithfully etc. He simply said it is important to tell good stories to get your point across. I am not against stories per se, but this man makes them the focus of his “ministry” while ignoring truth.
    __________________________________________________________________________________
    Good point! Jesus taught in parables to His disciples, the parables were not for the lost…Read about why! If a Pastor is to reach the lost He much give the preaching of the cross!

    Report Post »  
  • AllLost
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:38am

    The only thing that I know of this man is what is said here on the Blaze. I do think it is important to note that Jesus taught through story about the Father. He did not ‘win’ all of the people’s souls that he spoke to, but He did speak the Good News to them all. It ultimately was for those elect to hear and choose the Christ as their savior.

    No man can ‘save’ a soul, not even his own.

    Report Post »  
    • garyM
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:44am

      Amen, they can give the Word which is a schoolmaster to bring people to Christ, no man comes to the Father unless the Spirit draws Him!

      Report Post »  
  • BassChick
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:19am

    “peaching style”? Please, proofread!

    Report Post » BassChick  
    • bikerr
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:28am

      Grammar police!.. Give it a rest. Only you care.Relax,look at the content of the post and not the spelling, Gheeeeesh!

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:37am

      It’s alright basschick, we’re headed for a real “idocracy” anyway.

      Report Post »  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:13am

    Francis Bellamy re-incarate.

    http://rexcurry.net/

    Report Post »  
  • diggyorange
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:12am

    I think this is a nice story. He seems honest and sincere. He’s not of my faith but I love to hear stories of people who love Christ.

    The audience seems to be happy and enjoying themselves .
    Praise God, Sounds good to me. (if that is their beliefs )

    Report Post » diggyorange  
  • Skypilot8
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:59am

    Faithful pastors are to preach Christ and Him crucified and all the wonderful ramifications of this glorious gospel message. Sadly, many pastors have followed this man’s philosophy of ministry with the result that church pews are filled with people who like and demand good stories, but are uninterested in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation and it is neither boring nor irrelevant. What this man offers is captivating stories told by a good old boy that will offer no real hope.

    Report Post » Skypilot8  
    • garyM
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:11am

      Amen

      Report Post »  
    • momroots
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:14am

      Ever hear of the word parable? Seems to me that this was Jesus’ primary way of teaching.

      Report Post »  
    • wildturkeywatcher
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:19am

      Do you know that or are you speculating? Remember the parables that Jesus told as he taught us. I don’t know this minister, but I can easily see that he could be a very good teacher as Jesus was.

      Report Post »  
    • bumpside
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:25am

      I don‘t have a problem with this fellow’s stories or his personal journey, but there are some issues with his denomination, the “Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.” Equip dot org has some good summaries if you search for disciples of christ.

      Report Post »  
    • Dan_o
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:27am

      +1. What goes into a “good” sermon is the Word of God. Anything else is just drivel from a man…or sometimes a woman, like Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor (evidence of the abandonment of the Word by this “pastor”). If you‘re going to follow a man who doesn’t “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 ESV), then take your pick because it’s just a matter of opinion at that point, but don’t call it preaching or pastoring.

      Report Post » Dan_o  
    • Skypilot8
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:31am

      Absolutely Jesus taught in parables. But listen to this man’s explanation of what he does and you will see there is no comparison. Jesus used parables to teach divine truth. He did not simply speak the truth, He is the truth and everything said must be measured by Him as He has revealed Himself in the word of God. Nowhere in these clips do I hear this man talk about the need to handle accurately God’s word; to preach the word of God faithfully etc. He simply said it is important to tell good stories to get your point across. I am not against stories per se, but this man makes them the focus of his “ministry” while ignoring truth.

      Report Post » Skypilot8  
    • Dan_o
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:32am

      @WILDTURKEYWATCHER, he’s not Jesus.

      Report Post » Dan_o  
    • THE COMING
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:17pm

      I agree.Too often preachers feel the need to teach that which makes people feel good, such as saying that you will be blessed with monetary gains. We leave church feeling happy and content ready to face a new week, but in reality they have left out the most important message. With becoming a Christian, there also comes a great responsibility. It is much more than feeling good about yourself.

      Report Post »  
  • broker0101
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:57am

    This guy is quite the Huckster. His Game is pretending not to have a Game. Much like the owner of this website. I commend them both on their great success and admire their ingenuity. On the other hand, I laugh at and mock their weak-minded followers. Suckers!

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • garyM
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:08am

      Are you the pot or the kettle black? I see if you have revealed some things about yourself, you are here with the weak-minded! In fact you probably the weakest minded of the bunch, the rest of us have strong enough minds we go to sites and post on sites we like! LOL Well maybe you are so miserable you just go to one at random to criticize!

      Report Post »  
    • momroots
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:08am

      Praying for you, Broker…

      Report Post »  
    • Orion the truth hunter
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:20am

      During this Holy season, I invite you to watch one of the various versions of A Christmas Carol that will be on TV. Perhaps you will recognize yourself.

      Report Post »  
    • mh1953
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:31am

      Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Proverbs 14:9

      Report Post »  
    • georgiavietvet
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:48am

      BROKER0101………………….you are another one of the liberals, with your head so far up your own behind, that you have to open your mouth to see daylight. thats why, when you talk, all that comes out is fecal matter…………………………….

      Report Post »  
  • garyM
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:54am

    From reading the article I would say that this Pastor never offends anyone with his sermons! When I read the Bible I see the Apostle Paul and all of the Apostles offended many. The Word of God is offensive to the lost, only when someone is offended by the Word, realizes they are sinners, will they be in a position and frame of my to ask for grace and mercy and read the Word, hear the Word and receive it with joy knowing they are forgiven. It’s not the healthy that need a doctor but the sick!

    Report Post »  
    • gramma b
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:00am

      No wonder Newsweek likes him.

      Report Post »  
    • garyM
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:03am

      In fact the Bible says God’s Word is sharper than a two edged sword!

      Report Post »  
    • momroots
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:09am

      It seems he offended you, Gary. Just sayin…

      Report Post »  
  • expatinontariocanada
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:54am

    Realize God sees what you see. Then ask yourself, do you see what God sees through your eyes? How different would the world be if we all realized that we see, through our own eyes, what God sees and respond as God would respond.

    Report Post » expatinontariocanada  
  • ExhaustingPassion
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:53am

    I can’t help but to comment on this. If we need an example of what a true teacher is, a man that never asks for money, pays for his own air time and wears the same suit any of us could go buy for 50 bucks, then Pastor Arnold Murray is your man. Pastor Murray has taught me for 20 years and his teachings along with Glenn Beck being the “alarm”, I have seen what’s happening to this country for years. I do not comment much but again I can’t help but give Pastor Murray the credit he deserves.
    Not to mention he is a Korean Vet Marine from Oklahoma. Semper Fi to you Marines and HUA to my Army brothers.

    Report Post » ExhaustingPassion  
    • garyM
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:11am

      Pastor Murray teaches that tithing and giving is not Biblical, the Bible teaches tithing and giving is obedience, I’ll let you figure the rest out!

      Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:54am

      @ExhaustingPassion—Would you please just Google your teacher?. You will find an array of non-biblical teachings from Him. I hope you do.None of us are perfect,but your teacher does have a different look at the scriptures. Seed of Satan?. I mean really?

      Report Post »  
    • ExhaustingPassion
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:53pm

      20 years of study vs. a terrorist sponsored search engine, I thought Blaze readers were above that but to each is own.

      Report Post » ExhaustingPassion  
  • gramma b
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:47am

    What the heck is this? Listen to the middle excerpt. It is pure socialism. He condemns anyone who criticizes a single mother for having too many children. Then, he concludes, “Let those who are able take care of those who are not able. That’s the primary function of government.”

    Report Post »  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:01am

      It’s was actually Biblical first, the government just stole the idea. The difference is: Government wants you to rely on them and become their zombies. MOST Churches want to help and show you to follow God. Where He tells you “You have free will, what you do is your choice. Just remember, there are consequences in all that you do.”

      Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • gramma b
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:10am

      Haddock adds, almost as an afterthought, that it is also the job of the churches. When the church does it, it is a matter of free will by the giver. When government does it, the productive are placed into bondage to the unproductive.

      Report Post »  
  • Arlen Williams
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:46am

    “As he read about Paul’s plight, he realized that the motivation to reach souls for Christ didn’t really matter.”

    I think that would be news to Christ.

    Report Post » Arlen Williams  
    • dnewton
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:54am

      I think you are right about motivation. The problem I saw was the intrusion of psychology into religion and using psychology to predict the future. Going into the ministry for the wrong reason would be bad only if it was against God’s will. Man should seek the will of God, not the predictions of psychology. There are many stories of men selected for a task by God and the man felt mismatched to the task.

      Report Post »  
  • Skypilot8
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:45am

    Faithful pastors are to preach Christ and Him crucified and the wonderful implications of this truth. It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation. The fruit of this man’s storytelling are churches filled with people who have heard stories that have resulted an emotional response but have never heard the eternal and lifesaving saving gospel.

    Report Post » Skypilot8  
    • momroots
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:17am

      So that whole “parable thing” in the Bible is just a waste of time? News to Jesus…

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:54am

      YO Skypilot8:
      Did you listen to the same videos that I did? Have you been to this pastors church services? I would disagree with his statement of government having the responsibility to take care of people.( it is an indicator of his heart) Other than that I found no fault in his interviews, in fact he clearly stated being lead by the spirit and said MANY truthful things…. no judgement here… but you seem a bit self righteous…. how long have you been a follower of Christ? I’m curious…. I could tell a story here that would have a Godly purpose and speak to the very thing you just did that was not of Christ as you speak of Christ. Christ is the ENTIRE bible not JUST salvation! Hang a few more pictures on the wall….. no disrespect…. blessings

      Report Post »  
    • capecodsully
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:15pm

      Your right SKYPILOT8. “They will act religious but will reject the power that could make them godly”
      Many suffer needlessly because they do not know.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 1:04pm

      Yo Capecodsully;
      This man did speak to the Holy Spirit as guidence…. did you not listen. I checked out a sermon of his on YouTube “The last temptation of the church”… seemed good to me. Did not want to speak too quick before I responded to you. How quick do you speak? Scripture says to be SLOW to speak and QUICK to listen. Will heaven be a quieter place or louder?

      Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:39am

    Never heard of him. He must be really influential huh? He’s just another man, no better or no worse than anyone else!

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Treaty
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:53am

      Thank you for that feedback. Your assessment was inspirational.

      Report Post » Treaty  
    • Orion the truth hunter
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:07am

      At one point in history, the same could have been said of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, etc. You might also consider watching It’s a Wonderful Life, a nice easy way to see how good works tend to grow while we do not even notice.

      Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:22am

      @ares338— Never heard of him?—You need to move from the basement! On second thought stay right where you are. Moving targets are harder to hit!

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:33am

    I love this article, and thanks for posting it to the Blaze.

    He is on the money that what matters ultimatly to those who are called into the service of God, in any way or means, which is all of us of the heavenly family; is the message of Jesus. Each of us is able to “preach” the message in our own ways — most of all in the way we live our lives in our walk with the Lord day by day and moment by moment.

    While not all are called to be pastors or teachers, all of us are preachers of the word and the life of our Lord Jesus in OUR OWN LIVES LIVED.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • TRONINTHEMORNING
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:41am

      Well said, SNOW!

      Report Post »  
    • momroots
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:07am

      VERY well said! Thank you!

      Report Post »  
    • Redwing
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:52am

      I normally agree with you Snow but not on this, if you follow this man’s teachings it will lead to big government and liberalism. What I heard from his sermon was neither “Scripture” nor any personal responsibility

      Report Post »  
    • heavyduty
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:23pm

      God or Christ didn’t teach how to teach. He just said teach. If you are called then He will guide you in what He wants said. If not then you are just spinning your wheels.

      Report Post »  
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